Late Homerun Propels Sanford Past Vermont, 4-3

Published on June 19, 2018 under New England Collegiate Baseball League (NECBL)
Vermont Mountaineers News Release


MONTPELIER, VT - With two strikes and two outs in the top of the ninth, Laurence Hill (Durham, CT/ Rhode Island) delivered a clutch solo homerun that went on to be the difference, as Sanford topped Vermont 4-3 Tuesday night in Montpelier.

The Mainers were able to strike first of Mountaineers starter Andrew Kneussle (Plattsburg, NY/ Canisius) in the top of the second. After a Connor Shepherd (Upland, CA/ TCU) single, Tyler Solomon (Haymarket, VA/ Vanderbilt) narrowly missed a homerun and ended up with an RBI double to give Sanford the 1-0 lead. They were able to add another run in the third to go up 2-0.

The Mountaineers evened the game in the bottom of the fourth, courtesy of Nate Grys (Sterling Heights, MI/ Western Michigan). After Paul Witt (Harpers Ferry, WV/ VCU) beat out an infield single, Grys delivered a long two run homerun into right center, tying the game at 2. Grys also added a RBI double in the sixth, which tied the game at 3.

From there, it was a battle of the bullpens, as each starting pitcher exited the game. Kneussle left after 6 1/3 innings, allowing three runs (one earned) on five hits while striking out five. For Sanford, starter Cole Whitney (Campbell Hall, NY/ Georgia Southern) only lasted four innings, giving up two runs on three hits while striking out six.

Arella pitched two great innings, and was one pitch away from sending his team to the bottom of the ninth tied, when Hill delivered a long homerun to left to give Sanford the lead once again.

John Murphy (Merchantville, NJ/ Maryland) came in for the save in and ninth, and worked around a one out single to seal his third save of the year, and the Mainer's seventh win on the season. The win went to Mike Vasturia (Medford, NJ/ Maryland), who pitched a 1-2-3 eighth inning.

Vermont (3-8) heads to Keene (4-8) for their second game of a six game stretch without an off day. They sit five games back of first place Upper Valley (8-3). First pitch is set to start at 6:30, and can be heard on CBS Sports 1240-AM WSKI or online via The NECBL Broadcast Network.

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



New England Collegiate Baseball League Stories from June 19, 2018


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central